Shaw University secured a $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support the “Research Initiation Award: Investigating Disparities Among Smart Technology Privacy Studies” project.
The primary objective of this project is to assess whether specific device types or demographic factors—including race, ethnicity, gender, and age—are underrepresented in existing studies about smart technology privacy.
The grant is part of the NSF’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Undergraduate Program Research Initiation Awards. The program supports STEM faculty at HBCUs by enhancing their research capabilities while improving undergraduate students’ educational experiences.
Dr. Nyteisha Bookert
Dr. Nyteisha Bookert, the assistant professor of computer science and the cyber operations program coordinator at Shaw University, is leading the initiative. “My overall research goal is to investigate the security and privacy of emerging technologies to protect humans,” Dr. Bookert says. “Smart technology is integrated into various aspects of our lives, including homes, schools, and workplaces, enhancing systems such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. However, these technologies also raise significant security and privacy concerns. There is a growing call in the U.S. for a national data protection law in response to these concerns and the increasing number of data breaches.”
Shaw University President Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm about the grant’s transformative potential. “Our computer science and cybersecurity students will be empowered to excel in their studies and future careers through this research project,” says Dillard. “We are thrilled about the opportunities this award presents for both our students and faculty, particularly those who are building their research programs.”
Along with aiming to address disparities in smart technology privacy research, the project also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. It seeks to involve minority and underrepresented undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research initiatives at both local and national levels. The grant will support student research assistants, allow them to present their findings at conferences and symposiums, and boost their technical skills and professional development.
The research’s findings are expected to lead to insights into Americans’ privacy concerns and offer recommendations for creating inclusive policies, laws, and regulations.